Benifuuki

Benifuuki is a cultivar bred from the Japanese black tea variety Benihomare and the Makurazaki line Cd86, registered in 1993. Originally developed for wakocha (Japanese black tea) production, it catapulted to fame in the 2000s when researchers discovered its exceptionally high concentration of methylated catechins — a compound shown to help suppress allergic reactions, particularly hay fever symptoms that afflict millions of Japanese every spring. As a green tea, Benifuuki is notably more astringent and bitter than typical sencha cultivars, offering a bold, assertive cup that stands apart from the umami-forward Japanese norm. When fully oxidized into black tea, however, it reveals an entirely different character: elegant rose and honey aromatics with spicy cinnamon undertones and a clean, satisfying finish. Benifuuki represents a fascinating bridge between Japanese and international tea traditions, and its dual identity — health functional green tea and artisan black tea — makes it one of the most versatile cultivars in modern Japanese tea production.

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